Post-Jewish: The New Authentics:Artists of the Post-Jewish Generation

In her introduction to the catalogue for "Post-Jewish: The New Authentics: Artists of the Post-Jewish Generation," exhibition Stacy Boris states "the effort to define (or complicate) a particular self or group is a vital pursuit that reflects social circumstances, challenges preconceived notions, and moves culture forward." The sixteen artists included with the "The New Authentics," explore not only their jewishishness, but also the concerns of their generation, my generation.

One work that stuck out me was a sculpture entitled "The Settler" by David Altmejd, which explored ideas of metamorphosis. "The Settler" is an elaborate sculpture that features" a prone and decaying hairy figure out of which mirrored fragments erupt and almost envelop the body. What appears to be a corpse seems to be attempting to generate new life, accentuating processes of transformation rather than stagnation." The thing that most intrigued me about this piece was the metaphor that was created by the hairy figure (which resembled a werewolf) situated among the pieces of glass. The metaphor of the werewolf is not only powerful within the context of "The New Authentics", in which no matter how hard you try to hide your identity it will eventually be apparent, but is also symbolic of every individual who has a history.



Another piece that stuck out to me was a 7 part video installation by Joel Tauber entitled, "Seven Attempts to Make a Ritual." "Seven Attempts to Make a Ritual," consists of seven simultaneously playing videos that document Tauber as he inserts himself into holes in the earth in hopes of establishing a divine connection. Tauber states about this piece, " I feel that the idea of searching for a ritual to relate to God is taboo among the intellectual elite in our postmoderd world. It is precisely because of its lack of coolness that I feel that it is critical to tell the story." I enjoy this piece it speaks to the frustrations of our daily lives and not being able to live up to the expectations that are placed upon us by society.

Here is a link to Joel Tauber's video

Overall I thought "Post-Jewish: The New Authentics: Artists of the Post-Jewish Generation" was a compelling exhibition that explored issues of a generation that is in the process of creating its own history.